A Remote Rehabilitation Program for Improving Arm Function Following Elbow Fractures in the Adult Population: Pilot study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59994/ajamts.2026.1.17Keywords:
Telerehabilitation, Elbow Fracture, Upper Limb Function, Conventional PhysiotherapyAbstract
The elbow is an anatomically complex joint prone to complications and functional impairments following trauma. Telerehabilitation has emerged as a promising approach to deliver rehabilitation services remotely using information and communication technologies. This pilot study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a tele-rehabilitation program for improving upper limb function among adults following elbow fractures. Pilot study was conducted including 16 patients aged between 20 and 40 years who had completed the immobilization phase following elbow fracture. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n=8) received conventional face-to-face physiotherapy sessions three times per week, while group B (n=8) received telerehabilitation sessions three times per week for 30 minutes each. Outcomes were measured using goniometry for range of motion, the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and the Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation (PREE). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in elbow flexion, extension, supination, and pronation post-intervention (p<0.05). Significant reductions were also observed in disability scores, pain levels, and limitations in performing specific and usual activities. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two treatment approaches across all outcome measures (p>0.05). Both telerehabilitation and conventional face-to-face physiotherapy are effective approaches for improving upper limb function among adults following elbow fractures. Telerehabilitation represents a viable alternative that can enhance accessibility to rehabilitation services.
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